The Society for Industrial Archeology.

OLIVER EVANS CHAPTER

Tour of the Schuylkill Generating Station

Friday, October 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Join the Oliver Evans Chapter of the Society for Industrial Archeology for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of Philadelphia’s most important industrial landmarks, the Schuylkill Generating Station, A1 and A2 plants. 

Designed by John T. Windrim for the Philadelphia Electric Company, the Schuylkill Generating Station was the first large-scale, centralized power plant in the Philadelphia region and played a pivotal role in the electrification of the city, its transit systems, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Over more than a century, the station evolved from hand-fired coal boilers and early steam turbines to cogeneration of steam and electricity, reflecting the remarkable technological changes that shaped modern Philadelphia. Pleae visit OE/SIA’s Workshop of the World entry on the station here for more information:  Schuylkill Generating Station.   

The program will include an introductory presentation on the history and operations of the station, followed by a guided tour of the facility.

Attendance is limited to 25 chapter members. Advance registration is required here:https://forms.gle/NxVbQhzwJWirWUCP6

● Featured Article
  • Philadelphia’s Center City District Foundation presents The Centennial Exposition of 1876: Recreated on Market East The Lits Building, corner entrance, 8th & Market Sts.Monday-Saturday, June 25 – December | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Lits Building, corner entrance, 8th & Market Sts.Monday-Saturday, June 25 – December | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In…

● Latest Articles
  • Myths about the Homestead Strike and Steel Unionization

    SIA Iron and Steel Special Interest Group virtual presentation Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 5:00 The Homestead Strike of 1892 was a violent labor dispute in…

  • First Paper Maker in America: 1690

    Firstival: First Paper Maker in America: 1690Saturday, June 27, 11am-1pmRittenhouseTown, Philadelphia We take paper for granted now. But in the late 1600s, when Pennsylvania’s founder…

  • The Development of the Colonial Iron Industry

    The Development of the Colonial Iron Industry A lecture by Jim PolczynskiTuesday evening, July 14, 2026, at 7:00 pm The Cornwall Iron Furnace is a…

  • Flash! Bang! Boom!

    American Chemical Society presents Webinar: Flash! Bang! Boom!Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 1:30pm-3pm Despite their fleeting brilliance, fireworks have shaped global celebrations, political spectacle, and…

● About US

The SIA’s emphasis on archeology reflects a concern for the tangible evidence of early industry.  Our mission is the study, interpretation, and preservation of the surviving factories, machinery, bridges, canals, industrial communities and artifacts that are historically significant.

● Recent Articles
● ALL POSTS